1. Short title
This Act may be cited as the “Coronavirus Scammers, Crooks, and Manipulators Act” or the “SCAM Act”.
Coronavirus Scammers, Crooks, and Manipulators Act
A BILL
To provide for an increased fine and term of imprisonment for fraud in connection with the COVID-19 pandemic, and for other purposes.
2. Mail fraud and other fraud offenses
Frauds and swindles— Section 1341 of title 18, United States Code, is amended by inserting after “30 years, or both.” the following: “If the violation occurs in relation to, or involving any benefit authorized, transported, transmitted, transferred, disbursed, or paid in connection with the emergency declared on March 13, 2020, by the President under the Robert T. Stafford Disaster Relief and Emergency Assistance Act relating to Coronavirus Disease 2019, such person shall be fined not more than $1,500,000 or imprisoned not more than 45 years, or both.”.
Fraud by wire, radio, or television— Section 1343 of title 18, United States Code, is amended by inserting after “30 years, or both.” the following: “If the violation occurs in relation to, or involving any benefit authorized, transported, transmitted, transferred, disbursed, or paid in connection with the emergency declared on March 13, 2020, by the President under the Robert T. Stafford Disaster Relief and Emergency Assistance Act relating to Coronavirus Disease 2019, such person shall be fined not more than $1,500,000 or imprisoned not more than 45 years, or both.”.
3. Counterfeit goods and services
Section 2320(b) of title 18, United States Code, is amended by adding at the end the following:
“(4) COVID-19—Any person who commits an offense under subsection (a) involving a counterfeit good, which is advertised by the person as having the ability to treat, prevent, or cure COVID-19, shall, in the case of an individual, be fined not more than $2,500,000, or imprisoned not more than 45 years, or both, or in the case of a person other than an individual, be fined $5,500,000.”